So Many Birthdays ....

Yes, so many ... decided to combine a few Bob co-stars, six from this week alone.  So, Happy Birthday to ...

Anita Page, Aug. 4th, co-starred with Bob in Free and Easy (1930)

Reginald Owen, Aug. 5th, co-starred with Bob in several movies, decided to use this photo of Mr. Owen in Sherlock Holmes (1932).  He is Dr. Watson to Clive Brook's Sherlock.  Love the bowtie.  

Irene Purcell, Aug. 7th, appeared with Bob in Man in Possession (1931).  She and Bob worked so well together, wish they had done more.

Ann Harding, Aug. 7th, shown here with Bob in Biography of a Bachelor Girl (1935). 

Nat Pendleton, Aug. 9th, was a very busy supporting actor in the 1930s and 1940s.  He did a great job with the role of Madge Evans' unwanted suitor in Fugitive Lovers (1934)

and, finally, Dorothy Jordan, Aug. 9th, portrayed a rather demure young lady when co-starring with Bob in Love in the Rough (1930) and Shipmates (1931).  I like this sexy version of Dorothy.  

It's August and all those Bob Birthday Ladies

 Let's see, I did manage to do a birthday post for Myrna.  Since then I have missed Anita Page, Aug. 4th, and Ann Harding and Irene Purcell, both born on Aug. 7th.  And I remembered Reginald Owen and his Aug. 5th birthday.  Yes, not a leading lady, but being in seven Bob movies puts him in a special class.  

Dorothy Jordan, born Aug. 9th, and Bob were a precious pair in both Love in the Rough (1930) and Shipmates (1931).  There was a big MGM publicity push for Bob becoming a Star!, including starring him in Shipmates.  Wish they had given him a better movie.  They did take a fair number of publicity shots of Bob and Dorothy.  Now they are just great.  

                    Bob and Dorothy Jordan in Shipmates (1931)

Why is Bob Smiling?

 Ah, the things actors do for publicity...  I'm guessing Bob wanted bragging rights amongst his drinking buddies.  It's not that often one gets to spar with the World Heavyweight Champion.  The rather large gent is Primero Carnera, who had just won the championship in June.  The photo was taken July 19, 1933 in NYC.  Bob was in town for the release of Another Language (1933) on July 28th.  Starting August 4th, Bob did the opening stage act for the movie along with Irene Purcell.  They performed a scene from Private Lives (1931).  That had to be fun for them, definitely fun to watch.

He Saw, She Saw, They Did

I love the casting in The Man in Possession (1931).  Bob (Dabney) and Irene (Crystal) clicked both onstage and offstage (as friends!)  C. Aubrey Smith and Beryl Mercer, as Dabney's parents, portray the gruff father and meek, sweet mother with ease, as they have played the parts so many times.  Reginald Owen is great whatever the role is, this time it is as Dabney's pompous and flustered brother Claude.  And Charlotte Greenwood is just perfection as Clara, Crystal's maid, friend and watchdog who doesn't think Dabney is good enough for her. 

I just love the smiles on the lovers' faces.  Too good.

Irene was born August 7, 1896 in Whiting, Indiana and died July 9, 1972 in Racine, Wisconsin.  The two cities are only 94 miles apart.  Happy Birthday to Ms. Purcell.  And Happy Birthday to Ann Harding, also born on August 7th.  It'll be Ann's turn next year...all right, Ladies?

First, Fond du lac, Now Sheboygan - Wow!!

Montgomery, star of television, movies and radio, told a Sheboygan county Republican rally that "We never had it so bad."  

Ah, it is October 24th, the 1952 presidential campaign is in full swing.  Lucky Bob appears to have been assigned to cover Wisconsin...in October!  I'm guessing he used the 14,000 sq. ft. mansion of Mrs. Irene Purcell Johnson in Racine, WI as his base of operations.  Irene (Bob's co-star in The Man in Possession) and hubby Herb Johnson, Jr., chairman of the board of the Johnson Wax Company, traveled in the same social circle.

         "Robert Montgomery speaks for Eisenhower in Sheboygan."

Strangers May Kiss (but they don't have to)

I enjoy photoplay editions of books upon which movies are based.  The They Were Expendable edition is just great, eight photos and six have Bob in them!  On the other end of the pole, the photoplay edition of Lady in the Lake does not have any photos at all inside, just those on the dust jacket.  Strangers May Kiss is kinda in between those two books ... four photos and none of them feature Bob!  But, they are decent photos, particularly the photo of Ms. Shearer at the front of the book.  I'd say it gives one a pretty good idea of the flavor of the book. 

The captions are worth showing in a legible print size...

                      Elizabeth aches for the kiss of this stranger - 
                             yielding to a passionate embrace.

                     Alan tires of their unconventional interlude.

               In one mad night after another, Elizabeth sought
                        escape from the spectre of her folly.

By the way, Happy Birthday thoughts for Norma Shearer whose birthday is August 10.  And the same for Dorothy Jordan whose birthday is August 9.  And belated Birthday thoughts for Ann Harding and Irene Purcell who share August 7 as their birthday.  My, but Bob had to work with a lot of Leos!!

Now That's a Kiss!

Definitely a man in possession ...

                                 Bob and lucky Irene Purcell

Scene Stealer? Maybe. Funny? Definitely!

(It's National Flag Day!  Don't forget to display yours.) 

Wonder How Much That Ermine Coat Cost

Buying movie fan magazines just to read an article on Bob can become an expensive pastime.  Some are good buys and others, well, are not.  Thought I would share one of my purchases.   

Photoplay in the 1930s is just a wonderful treasure, a well-produced magazine with lots of "news" and gorgeous photos.  Unfortunately, the sale price for one in good condition reflects this.  I am not sure exactly how much this April, 1932, issue cost.  Too much, I'm sure.  It is a Norma Shearer cover, but the condition is not perfect so the cost was bearable! 

There are always full-page photos of the leading stars, two of the better ones follow.

And there are, of course several full-page movie ads.  This is a nifty one.

And speaking of ads ... this is a wondrously sexy Coca-Cola ad. 

 Big news in Hollywood was "who went where with whom wearing what."  In this case, it's Bob attending a premiere with Betty who was wearing an ermine coat.

Finally, we get to the Montgomery article.  It's about scene stealers, Bob being included among the likes of Wallace Beery, Marie Dressler, Jack Oakie, Victor McLaglen and Adolphe Menjou.  He gets just a small mention, but the cover art includes a photo of him next to the title. 

          The caption reads: "Mr. Montgomery, that scene belongs
          to Irene Purcell.  You give it right back to her."

And the only mention of Bob in a full-length article is as follows.

Gee, you'd think Bette Davis had written it! 

So, this Photoplay issue was enjoyable to me overall, but the Bob coverage was lacking.  Not a great buy if only seeking out Montgomery items.  Save your money for a good photo of Bob!

How To Keep The Boss Happy ...

Of course we have all seen The Man in Possession (1931) ... right??!  I mean, it is one of Bob's best movies and a classic pre-code comedy.  Raymond (Bob) and Crystal (Irene Purcell) make a delightful couple, knowing right away what they want from each other!  Claude (Reginald Owen) just did not have a chance with Crystal once Raymond arrived on the scene. 

      Bob, Reginald Owen and Irene in The Man in Possession (1931)

Irene Purcell was primarily a stage actress, making only seven feature films in 1931-32.  She was already 35 when Man was made, a credit to her youthful looks and acting ability that she was hired to make any movies at all.  At the time, turning 30 was a death knell for actresses, so entering movies at 35, well, lets hear it for Irene!  She was the oldest of Bob's ladies, born in 1896, eight years his senior.

In 1941, Irene married Herbert F. Johnson, Jr., as in the Johnson Wax Company.  Herbert whisked her away to his 14,000 sq. ft. home in Racine, WI, where they remained married until her death in 1972.  During this time, Johnson Wax would sponsor Robert Montgomery Presents, making Irene the wife of Bob's boss, of sorts.  Which brings us to the photo below.

It is Herbert and Irene on November 8, 1956.  They are at the Bresler Art Gallery in Milwaukee, it is opening night and all 17 of Irene's paintings being shown have been sold to raise money for the Actor's Fund of America.  The painting on the wall behind the couple, titled "Marguerites", was purchased by ... ta-da ... Robert Montgomery! 

Took a while to get there ...

And What Do Ann, Irene, Dorothy and Norma All Have in Common, Besides Bob?

Okay ... four of Bob's ladies have birthdays this week.  Ann Harding and Irene Purcell share the 7th.  Dorothy Jordan's is the 9th and Norma Shearer's day is the 10th.  Well, one big Happy Birthday wish goes out to all four of you delightful ladies.  Just noticed Bob starred with Dorothy, Irene and Norma in 1931.  Wonder whose birthday invitation Bob would have accepted if he could attend only one party.  Ha.  Like he could have said no to a summons by Ms. Shearer.  Then too, in 1931 he would have found a way to attend all three parties!! 

                   Bob and Dorothy Jordan in Shipmates (1931)

I hate to pass up on a chance to use one of my Bob/Dorothy photos, there are so many great ones.  Such a good-looking couple.  The word beautiful does not come to mind first when I think of Ms. Jordan.  Cute does, she was so amazingly cute.  Beautiful comes to mind more often when I think of young Mr. Montgomery.  So, who do you think had more natural curls?  

Happy (Early) Birthday, Mr. Taylor!

What can I say ... eight of Bob's (Montgomery) co-stars were born in August and I do a post for Robert Taylor.  Well ... he was every bit as good-looking as the ladies.  Sorry, ladies, but ... 

Older Robert was handsome ...

Younger Robert was downright gorgeous.

Mr. Taylor was born August 5, 1911, in Filley, Nebraska.  A heavy smoker throughout his life, Robert died of lung cancer before reaching his 58th birthday.  Much, much too young. 

Today, August 4th is Anita Page's birthday.  She had a 98-year-run!  Ann Harding and Irene Purcell share the 7th as their birthday.  Happy Birthday ladies!  I'll try to do something a bit more for the others. 

And Who Will Crystal Choose ...

Will it be Sir Charles, as portrayed by Alan Mowbray?

Or will it be Raymond, Bob at his best?

                      Irene Purcell in Man in Possession (1931)

 Duh....

Robert Taylor and 8 Beautiful Ladies

The result of snuggling couples on a cold December night --- a lot of August birthdays!  John Huston was born on August 5th, as was Robert Taylor. (Two more different people I can hardly imagine!)  Bob is 35 at the time of the photo below.  He has passed from his incredibly beautiful stage to merely extremely handsome. 

                                     Undercurrent (1946)   

And eight of Robert Montgomery's leading ladys were born in August:

                               August 2nd   - Myrna Loy
                               August 4th    - Anita Page
                               August 7th    - Ann Harding
                               August 7th    - Irene Purcell
                               August 9th    - Dorothy Jordan***
                               August 10th  - Norma Shearer
                               August 16th  - Ann Blyth
                               August 29th  - Ingrid Bergman

***Which also happens to be my birthday ... Me and Dorothy ... another argument against astronomy!  She was just so darn cute.

               Bob and Dorothy Jordan in Shipmates (1931)
 

Dabney...What Have You Done Now?!

Man in  Possession (1931) is a fun movie.  The cast is excellent:  Bob, Charlotte Greenwood, Irene Purcell, C. Aubrey Smith, Beryl Mercer, Reginald Owen and Alan Mowbray.  A whole lot of talent and experience on one set.  In the two scenes above, Bob holds his own while having to rely on his facial expression alone.  C. Aubrey and Reggie have fun with being aghast at Bob's goings on.  And in the bottom photo, Beryl and Irene smartly ignore the boys totally. 

A bit of trivia:  C. Aubrey Smith will also play Bob's father in But the Flesh is Weak.  Beryl Mercer appeared in four movies with Bob: Three Live Ghosts, Man in Possession, Lovers Courageous and Night Must Fall.  And Reginald Owen ties Joan Crawford for being in six Bob movies:  Man in Possession, Petticoat Fever, Trouble for Two, Three Loves Has Nancy, Fast and Loose and The Earl of Chicago. 

Bob Learns From His Older Women

Bob's August Birthday Ladies, Nos. 3 and 4.  August 7th is the birth date of both Irene Purcell (1896) and Ann Harding (1902).  Irene is excellent in Man in Possession, a delightful pre-code movie.  The scene with Bob and Charlotte Greenwood mugging it up in the kitchen after Bob and Irene's tryst ... too funny.

                                  Man in Possession (1931)

Ann co-stars with Bob in Biography of a Bachelor Girl, a post-code movie based on a play written in  pre-code days.  Needless to say, the changes necessary to get the project past the censors mucked up the plot line.  It's still okay ... Bob's in it right?!  A character in the movie refers to Kurt (Bob) of "talking like a communist."  At the time, Bob was a New Deal Democrat so it was not particularly funny then.  I'm sure it caused a few giggles when watched in the 1950s, as Bob was by then enconsed in the Eisenhower White House. 

                           Biography of a Bachelor Girl (1935)

So, Happy Birthday, Irene and Ann! 

Irene Purcell, the Future Mrs. Johnson Wax

  The Man in Possession (1931) with Beryl Mercer, C. Aubrey Smith,                   Reginald Owen, Irene Purcell and Bob.

Irene Purcell, Bob's co-star in the delightful pre-code romp The Man in Possession, was born on August 7, 1896 --- or 1901 per the engraving on the Johnson family crypt.  (Like she was the only person in Hollywood who shaved a few years off her birth date...)  Irene came to Hollywood from the stage to make a half dozen features in 1931 and 1932, and then left the movies, to go back to the stage, I'm assuming.  There just is not much information on Irene out there. 

I did discover that in 1941 she married Herbert Fisk Johnson, Jr., the third generation Johnson to run the Johnson Wax Co.  With the marriage, she moved into Herbert's home outside Racine, Wisconsin. Wingspread, as it was named, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed in 1937-1938.  Coming in at a mere 14,000 sq. ft., there were four wings (private wing, children's wing, guest rooms and servant quarters) that extended from a massive multi-storied open area used for communal functions such as dining and entertaining.  

                  Wingspread, built in 1938 by Frank Lloyd Wright

In the 1950s,  the Johnson Wax Co. would become a principal sponsor of Robert Montgomery Presents.   Do you think there were jokes on the set about Bob sleeping with the Boss's wife?